When I first enrolled into college, I had an idea of what I wanted to do. I wanted to run for office, touting a political science degree to do so. However, after some time, I changed my major to journalism. Politics is a cut-throat business -- yes, a business. Politicians are now making a living being a "public servant", unlike the days during the Founding Fathers when representatives made a living outside of government. Most were farmers or small business owners who would usually return to their respective occupations after one or two terms. My, how things have changed!
Politics is also rarely personal. The media monitors your every move, waiting for you to make a mistake so they have another newsworthy scandal to boost their ratings. Political opponents will also exploit your emotions by citing attacks against your family. I didn't want to put my wife and kids through that ordeal. It was not a price I was willing to pay.
So, what better profession than journalism? I can still follow politics, do what I love (write), and try to make a difference with ideas. I find it enjoying, hence the reason for this blog. Sometimes, though, I feel like I'm wasting my time because no one is reading it. For that reason (also my doubt about the strength of my writing ability) have made me reconsider the option of running for public office. I won't abandon my responsibility as a student. I will finish school; get my degree. But in the meantime, I could actually contribute to society by serving as a state representative.
Right now, I feel inadequate as a provider. I've been unemployed for quite some time (going on two years?). I was permanently "laid off" due to poor financial management by the owner of my previous employer. Since then, I've had my resume posted in the Michigan Talent Bank, but no one has come knocking for my services. As a Marine Corps veteran with tons of experience in the administrative field, it pisses me off that I'm not qualified to serve as an office assistant in some rinky-dink RV/outdoor store. And applying for a position within the federal government is more hassle than what it's worth.
Luckily, my going to school generates an income from the VA. I get paid enough to cover the rent, while my wife's job covers the rest of the bills, groceries, and other miscellaneous expenses. Also, I draw disability from the VA, but its only enough for minor expenses.
Anyways, sorry to complain about my life. I didn't intend to, but I felt this would help explain why my wanting to be a state representative makes me feel like I'm actually doing something; like the work I do is appreciated.
However, as much as I would like to, I cannot run for office. The following points will elaborate as to why:
1) I don't have the money. Everyone knows it takes money to win a campaign. Usually the more you have, the better chance of victory.
2) I don't have the time. Campaigning will pretty much be my full-time job. I would have to attend fundraisers, town hall meetings and rallies. It would require cutting into my studying time. Worst of all, it would force Carmen to adjust her schedule. If she can't, I certainly don't have the time to drag my children along. My oldest has school to attend.
3) I don't have any legitimate experience. What's on my resume? Marine Corps veteran... worked for the collection industry... currently unemployed. The only political experience I have is volunteering for Congressman Justin Amash, who at that time was running to replace long-time 3rd district representative, Vern Ehlers. Other than that, nothing.
4) Because of #3, I don't think I can muster enough support. My youth and inexperience is a turn-off for likely voters. Ronald Reagan proved this theory to be true. In his re-election campaign in 1984, after Walter Mondale accused him of being too old to make sound decisions as president, he reframed the argument against his opponent's "youth and inexperience". It worked.
5) My political positions will alienate many voters. I am not really a Republican, and I'm definitely not a Democrat. However, I do hold some liberal views on certain issues, while holding very conservative views on others. I think this balance is attractive, yet from what I watch, read, and hear, this is not the case. Most either want all-liberal candidates or all-conservative candidates.
Those five "excuses" are prohibiting me from running for office. I don't even know if I'm old enough at this point. I'm only 26. But that shouldn't restrict me from running. If 18 is considered adequate to defend this country, it should be old enough to run for office -- especially at the state level!
Maybe I'm getting in over my head. At this point, I'm thinking I should stick with journalism and stay away from the public arena for my family's sake, as well as mine.
What do you think? Could you ever see me running for office?
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